David Fincher’s influence in the film industry is undeniable, and his acknowledgment in the ‘Weapons’ credits raises questions about his contributions. In this article, we explore the significance of his work and highlight other influential screenwriters who have shaped modern cinema.
Why is David Fincher Thanked in the ‘Weapons’ Credits?
Writer-directors like Christopher Nolan, James Cameron, and Andrew Stanton have generated billions through their dual roles, but this article focuses on pure screenwriting contributions.
Fran Walsh
The co-writer of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies helped bring Middle-earth to life alongside her husband, Peter Jackson, and collaborator Philippa Boyens. Walsh’s journey from Wellington punk rocker to Academy Award winner is a dream for many. She won three Oscars for The Return of the King alone (Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Song), contributing to a box office total of approximately $6.6 billion.
Walsh is famously evasive, opting not to engage in extensive press or photography. In a 2012 interview with The New York Times about The Hobbit, she discussed her writing process, stating, “We tend to write our way into a scene and write our way out. Jackson will then revise us, and he always makes it shorter.”
Don’t hesitate to bulk up your scenes, as long as you have a merciless editor to trim them down.
Chris Morgan
As the architect of the Fast & Furious franchise, Morgan transformed a simple street racing concept into a global action empire over two decades, writing six consecutive films that grossed $6.78 billion. While action sequences and heists are central to the series, Morgan emphasizes the importance of character development.
“We don’t go on the journey just for the stunts,” Morgan explained in a Creative Screenwriting interview. “We need to see those characters overcome personal obstacles. Believe me, I’m the biggest stunt junkie in the world, but those movies don’t mean anything unless they resonate with you on a character level.”
If you’re feeling stuck in your writing, revisit your characters and their relationships for direction.
David Koepp
David Koepp, a favorite among screenwriters, has penned hits like Death Becomes Her, Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible, and Spider-Man. His versatility spans genres from horror to action to comedy, accumulating about $7.4 billion in box office returns.
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In a recent conversation, Koepp shared valuable screenwriting advice, emphasizing the importance of outlining: “Most people can write 20 pages of a movie, but without an outline, that’s exactly where it will die.”
Knowing your story’s direction is crucial; otherwise, you risk getting lost or giving up.
Steve Kloves
Steve Kloves is renowned for writing seven of the eight Harry Potter films, collaborating closely with J.K. Rowling to bring the wizarding world to life, resulting in approximately $7.9 billion at the box office.
Kloves has a unique approach to research—he conducts it after the first draft. He once stated, “I believe in research, but I believe in doing it after the first draft.” This method allows for creativity while ensuring accuracy later on.
While this approach may not suit everyone, it’s worth exploring if it resonates with your writing style.
Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely
This writing duo is behind Marvel’s biggest hits, including Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, with a combined box office gross of approximately $9.36 billion. Their advice mirrors Koepp’s: break things down as you write.
“You cannot push the whole thing forward all at once,” they advised at San Diego Comic Con in 2019. “You have to push this sequence forward; this character forward. They’ll improve, but the ones you haven’t worked on yet will still be lacking.”
For writers, persistence is key.
